Pride Month 2025 isn’t just a celebration—it’s a movement. A moment. A message to the world that LGBTQ+ voices matter, not only in society but also in shaping the future of the global economy. In Thailand, this year’s Pride Month feels particularly powerful as the country moves forward after officially legalizing same-sex marriage—marking a historic step for human rights and inclusivity in Southeast Asia.
At the heart of this year’s theme—“Pride Month 2025: Driving the Future with LGBTQ+ Diversity in an Open World”—is a call to recognize the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across industries, especially in areas like fashion, tourism, beauty, and entertainment. And few can articulate this shift better than Eakkapop Panthurat, a veteran PR expert known in the industry as the “Princess of PR.”
More Than a Parade: Pride as a Platform for Economic Change
While Pride Month is globally known for its colorful parades and rainbow flags, Eakkapop reminds us that the deeper message is about visibility, opportunity, and empowerment. “It’s not just about fun or rights,” he shares. “It’s about showing how LGBTQ+ people are integral to economic innovation and growth.”
And he’s right.
As Thailand embraces LGBTQ+ equality, businesses are starting to see the community not just as a market—but as a force of creativity, adaptability, and influence. From fashion designers and makeup artists to digital marketers and content creators, LGBTQ+ professionals are shaping trends and building brands—often both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.
LGBTQ+ Power in Business: The Untapped Engine of Growth
Eakkapop explains, “Today’s open society allows LGBTQ+ individuals to showcase their full potential. Whether in marketing, business development, or the creative arts, we are no longer just participants—we are drivers of change.”
And it’s true across sectors:
- LGBTQ+ in fashion: How do brands create apparel that’s inclusive for transgender consumers? From shoe sizing to tailoring, there’s a demand—and opportunity—for designs that match real bodies and identities.
- LGBTQ+ in beauty: Trans individuals using hormone therapy often face unique skincare needs. But inclusive cosmetic lines are still few and far between.
- LGBTQ+ in tourism and entertainment: With Thailand ranking among Asia’s top LGBTQ-friendly destinations, queer travelers are fueling growth in hospitality, events, and lifestyle experiences.
These are more than consumer trends—they are insights into how inclusive business can drive sustainable growth.
The LGBTQ+ Economy Is Here—Are Brands Ready?
“LGBTQ+ people are not just creative,” Eakkapop notes. “We’re adaptable. We think outside the box. We’re quick to embrace change—and that’s exactly what the modern business world needs.”
But while gender diversity is becoming more accepted in Thailand’s social landscape, Eakkapop sees a gap when it comes to product development and strategic branding.
“Fashion and cosmetics can do much more. There are still very few brands that directly address the needs of LGBTQ+ bodies and lifestyles,” he says. “Just imagine the potential if more companies designed products for us.”
Eakkapop encourages brands to go beyond rainbow marketing. Instead, he calls for a genuine commitment to understanding LGBTQ+ consumers as complex, diverse, and powerful market forces.
Pride Month 2025: A Celebration and a Call to Action
So, what does Pride Month 2025 mean for Thailand and beyond?
“It’s a time to be proud, yes,” says Eakkapop. “But more than that—it’s a reminder that LGBTQ+ people are vital contributors to both culture and commerce. When given the right support, we don’t just survive—we lead.”
From the rise of LGBTQ-led startups to queer creatives reshaping pop culture, the momentum is here. And as more brands begin to listen, adapt, and include, the future is looking brighter—and far more colorful.
